The best time to start harvesting the fruits of Prunus virginiana, or chokecherry, is typically in late summer, usually August or September.
chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a small, deciduous tree native to North America. It grows up to 20 feet tall and has corky twigs, long elliptical leaves, and showy white flowers in the spring. Its berries ripen in late summer to a deep purplish black, tart and bitter when raw and an excellent jam or jelly when cooked. Chokecherry is a traditional favorite for making homemade wine. It is also a valuable wildlife food, attracting birds and mammals alike. Chokecherry has an important place in the history of the land since its inner bark contains a natural purple dye used by many Native American cultures.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting
Hardiness Zone:
2 - 7
Flowers:
White Flowers
Sun:
Full sun Partial sun
Soil:
Sandy Loamy Clay
Fruits:
red,purple,black,white Fruits In Summer Ready In
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,yellow
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Poisonous To Humans:
Yes
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Chokecherry plants should be watered deeply 1-2 times per week during the summer months. During the spring and winter months, the frequency of watering can be decreased to 1 time per week. A deep soaking is best for the plant as shallow watering can lead to root rot and nutrient deficiencies. When watering the plant, the soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. The total amount of water per month should near approximately 4-5 inches. This amount may need to vary slightly depending on the climate and soil type.
sunlight
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) plants thrive in full sunlight and need at least 6 hours of direct sunshine each day. This type of plant is highly tolerant of many different climates, so it will do just fine with either slightly reduced or increased exposure to the sun. When grown in an area with long, hot summers, chokecherry plants should have some protection from the midday sun as that can cause damage to the foliage. During the cooler months of fall and winter, the plant will benefit from the additional sunlight.
pruning
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) should be pruned when dormant in late winter or early spring. To keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth, remove dead or damaged branches and shape the canopy. Prune up to 1-third of the canopy, making sure to cut back branches evenly to provide an even canopy shape. Be sure to clean and sharpen your pruners beforehand to prevent any potential infection and spread of plant diseases. Always disinfect your pruners with rubbing alcohol before using it on a new plant.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Prunus virginiana typically starts flowering in April.
Harvest Fruit
The best time to start harvesting the fruits of Prunus virginiana, or chokecherry, is typically in late summer, usually August or September.
